Mating system, population growth, and management scenario for Kalanchoe pinnata in an invaded seasonally dry tropical forest

Abstract

Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits that facilitate dispersion, establishment, and population growth. The nonnative succulent plant Kalanchoe pinnata, reported as invasive in some countries, is widespread in remnants of seasonally dry tropical forest on a volcanic outcrop with high conservation value in east‐central Mexico where we assessed its mating system and demographic growth and identified management strategies. To understand its local mating system, we conducted hand‐pollination treatments, germination, and survival experiments. Based on the experimental data, we constructed a life‐stage population matrix, identified the key traits for population growth, weighted the contributions of vegetative and sexual reproduction, and evaluated management scenarios. Hand‐pollination treatments had slight effects on fruit and seed setting, as well as on germination. With natural pollination treatment, the successful germination of seeds from only 2/39 fruit suggests occasional effective natural cross‐pollination. The ratios of the metrics for self‐ and cross‐pollinated flowers suggest that K. pinnata is partially self‐compatible. Most of the pollinated flowers developed into fruit, but the seed germination and seedling survival rates were low. Thus, vegetative propagation and juvenile survival are the main drivers of population growth. Simulations of a virtual K. pinnata population suggest that an intense and sustained weeding campaign will reduce the population within at least 10 years. Synthesis and applications. The study population is partially self‐compatible, but sexual reproduction by K. pinnata is limited at the study site, and population growth is supported by vegetative propagation and juvenile survival. Demographic modeling provides key insights and realistic forecasts on invasion process and therefore is useful to design management strategies.

Genomic signatures of clonality in the deep water kelp Laminaria rodriguezii

“…Partial clonality has attracted considerable attention among evolutionary biologists due to the potential effects of asexuality on the evolutionary trajectory of species since reproductive modes have a major impact on the level of genome‐wide genetic diversity and its distribution within and among populations (Duminil et al, 2007; Halkett et al, 2005). Moreover, reproductive modes profoundly affect other biological traits that play important roles in colonization processes and the spread of populations, such as population growth and dispersal (González de León et al, 2016; Kettenring & Mock, 2012), and in buffering and resilience after catastrophic events (Becheler et al, 2020).…”

Genomic signatures of clonality in the deep water kelp Laminaria rodriguezii

“…This mating strategy has attracted considerable attention among evolutionary biologists due to the potential effects of asexuality on the evolutionary trajectory of species, since reproductive modes have major impacts on the level of genome-wide genetic diversity and its distribution within and among populations Duminil et al, 2007). Moreover, reproductive modes profoundly affect other biological traits that play important roles in colonization processes and the spread of populations, such as population growth and dispersal (Kettenring & Mock, 2012;González de León et al, 2016), and in buffering and resilience after catastrophic events (Becheler et al, 2020).…”

Biomass Allocation, Plantlet Survival, and Chemical Control of the Invasive Chandelier Plant (Kalanchoe delagoensis) (Crassulaceae)

“…Invasive Plant Science and Management K. delagoensis (J Golubov et al, unpublished data), highlighted the importance of vegetative propagation as the driver of population dynamics. Suggested management scenarios in all the studied species in which establishment depended exclusively on plantlet recruitment target reducing the survival and growth of clonal propagation (González de León et al 2016;Herrera et al 2012). Examples of successful invasion by clonal spread may be more common than once thought (Hollingsworth and Bailey 2000;Lambertini et al 2010;Weiguo et al 2006).…”

“…Clonal reproduction through plantlets is a potential target for successful control of K. delagoensis (J Golubov et al, unpublished data) as with the sister species (K. daigremontiana [Herrera et al 2012] and K. pinnata [González de León et al 2016]) they are the stage in the life cycle that can substantially decrease the intrinsic population growth rate. Survival of plantlets was nil after 2 wk using G/2,4-D amine, and 2,4-D treatment resulted in very low survival (1%), followed by five herbicide treatments (P/2,4-D, M/G, D/G, A/G, and G) that resulted in greater than 28% plantlet survival (Figure 3).…”

“…Plantlets of Kalanchoe have been identified as key components of the life cycle that contribute to population growth (Herrera et al 2012;J Golubov et al, unpublished data;González de León et al 2016). The environmental tolerance to light and water availability found in K. delagoensis plantlets allows the species to inhabit a wide variety of habitats.…”